American Express CD Rates and Features for 2026
Written by
Rudri Bhatt Patel, CFHC™
Edited by
Elizabeth Constantineau, CFHC™
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
All information about American Express CD accounts has been collected independently by GOBankingRates and has not been reviewed or approved by American Express. These products are not available through GOBankingRates.
Certificates of deposit (CDs) allow you to secure the same rate for an extended period of time. They’re a great way to make a high yield on money that you won’t need for a while.
American Express®, Member FDIC, CDs have no minimum deposit requirements, are FDIC insured and offer a variety of terms. Read on to find out current rates.
Current American Express CD Rates: February 2026
American Express CDs come in terms ranging from 11 months to five years. See the chart below for all the rates and terms.
| Term | Annual Percentage Yield (APY) | Minimum Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| 11 months | $0 | |
| 12 months | $0 | |
| 14 months | $0 | |
| 18 months | $0 | |
| 22 months | $0 | |
| 24 months | $0 | |
| 36 months | $0 | |
| 48 months | $0 | |
| 60 months | $0 |
Pros and Cons of American Express CDs
American Express CDs have several strengths and weaknesses. These are some of the key factors to consider.
Pros
- High CD rates
- Enhanced security of your cash
- No minimum deposit requirements
- Variety of term length options
Cons
- No-penalty CDs are not offered
- Less liquid than a high-yield savings account
How Much Can You Earn With an American Express CD?
Here’s a simple example showing estimated earnings with an American Express CD.
| Deposit Amount | Term Length | APY | Estimated Interest Earned* |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | 11 months | $29.75 | |
| $2,000 | 12 months | $65 | |
| $5,000 | 24 months | $366.48 | |
| $10,000 | 60 months | $1,876.86 |
How To Open an American Express CD
Opening an American Express CD is straightforward. You can follow these steps to start earning a high yield on your extra cash:
- Open your American Express account: You will have to provide basic information like your ID and address to open an account.
- Choose your CD term: American Express offers CD terms that range from 11 months to five years. You will have to assess the options and determine which one is right for you.
- Apply for a CD account: You will have to make a deposit and let American Express know which account you want. Most accounts get approved quickly, and you will start to earn interest on your funds.
How Do American Express CD Rates Compare With Other Banks
American Express CD rates are quite competitive, but how do they stack up against other bank rates? Here’s a comparison of American Express CD rates with other lenders:
| Bank | 1-Year CD Rate | 5-Year CD Rate | Minimum Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Express | $0 | ||
| Sallie Mae | $2,500 | ||
| First Horizon | $1,000 | ||
| Popular Direct | $10,000 | ||
| Ally Bank | $0 | ||
| Capital One* | $0 |
Is an American Express CD Right for You?
Here’s who might benefit most from an American Express CD — and who may want to consider other options.
Ideal For
- Individuals with limited funds
- People who prefer online banking
- Those who want to implement a CD laddering strategy
Not Great For
- Those requiring early access to cash
- Individuals who prefer in-person banking
- Customers looking for specialized CD options
Smart Moves To Get the Best CD Rates
Want the best rate on your American Express CD? Here are some tips that may help:
- Qualify for relationship banking perks: A long-term relationship with American Express or multiple accounts may help you secure a higher CD rate.
- Compare multiple terms: Before deciding on a particular lender and CD, research different banks with CDs and a variety of terms.
- Check for promotional or limited-time offers: Be on the lookout for promotional rates or special offers on CDs. You can look up this information online or ask in person for those offers.
- Use CD laddering: Use a CD laddering strategy so that you can have cash on hand when you need it.
American Express CD Rates FAQ
Have questions about American Express CDs? Here’s what you need to know before opening an account.- What is the minimum deposit for an American Express CD?
- American Express requires no minimum opening amount for a CD.
- Do I need an American Express account to open a CD?
- No, you don't need an American Express card or an existing account to open a CD.
- Can I open a CD online?
- Yes, American Express allows you to open a CD online.
- What happens if I withdraw before the term ends?
- If you withdraw funds from your CD before the term ends, expect to pay a penalty. The penalty amount depends on when in the term you decide to withdraw funds.
- Are American Express CD rates competitive in 2026?
- Yes, rates are competitive and well above the national averages.
Caitlyn Moorhead and Marc Guberti contributed to the reporting for this article.
*Capital One interest rates accurate as of 01/21/2026. See website for all current rates.
Rates are subject to change; unless otherwise noted, rates are updated periodically. All other information on accounts is accurate as of Jan. 21, 2026.
The Annual Percentage Yield (APY) as advertised is accurate as of Jan. 21, 2026. Interest rate and APY are subject to change at any time without notice before and after a High Yield Savings Account is opened. Interest Rate and APY of a Certificate of
Deposit account is fixed once the account is funded.
There is no minimum balance required to open your account, to avoid being charged a fee, or to obtain the Annual
Percentage Yield (APY) disclosed to you.
Editorial Note: This content is not provided by American Express. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. American Express credit card products are not available through GOBankingRates.com.
